Lua Jia Min, Asia News Network (The Straits Times) | Environment | Tue, June 26 2012, 11:07 AM
Organizers of an event to encourage people to go green are walking the talk.
When the event, Singapore Green One (G1) 2012, is held on Sept 2, it will be as no-frills as possible.
'The use of posters and banners will be kept to a minimum and a light-emitting diode screen will be used as the backdrop on the actual day to reduce waste,' said Jose Raymond, executive director of event organizer Singapore Environment Council (SEC).
It is touting the event as the country's first zero-waste affair.
This second edition of the Singapore G1 is expected to cost about $250,000 - one-fifth the cost of a typical event on a similar scale - and paid for by sponsors, the council said.
The event will involve a 5 kilometer walkathon that will start from two MRT stations - Lavender and Stadium.
Others can opt for a cycling route from Tampines MRT station.
The groups will converge at the Marina Barrage where activities such as a corporate trishaw race and exhibitions will be held.
The public can also test-drive the new Nissan Leaf - the world's first mass-produced 100 per cent electric vehicle - during the G1.
This year's event, which aims to draw 15,000 participants, hopes to show people 'how a simple act like walking a little more each day, and using public transport, or even cycling, can lead not just to the reduction of one's carbon footprint, but can also help in keeping one healthy', Raymond said.
Newater will be provided while recycling bins will be placed at the venues to prevent participants from littering, he added.
SEC director of projects Edwin Ker said: 'We hope events on that day can be a catalyst for lifestyle change among Singaporeans.'
In 2009, Singapore pledged that it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7 per cent to 11 per cent by 2020 if no global binding deal was reached, and by 16 per cent if one was.
